Skip to main content

Clydesdale Bank
International

Internet Banking

Glossary of Security Terms
Topics and related questions are on the left hand side of this page Topics and related questions on the left
Anti-Virus Software top
Anti-Virus software is the term used to describe a piece of software that is designed to protect your computer from viruses. Good Anti-Virus software will scan email attachments and downloaded files in many file formats for hidden viruses and trojans.

Anti-Spyware Software top

There are two main functions of Anti-Spyware Software:

  • To clean your computer system of spyware
  • To protect your computer from infection
Good Anti-Spyware software should do both to a high standard.

Authentication top
The process of verifying the identity and legitimacy of a person.

Browser top
A browser is the software application used to locate and display web pages. Popular internet browsers include Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Apple's Safari.

A list of browsers compatible with Clydesdale Bank's Internet Banking service can be found here.

Firewall top
Software designed to shield your computer from unauthorised access by 3rd parties over a computer network.

Internet Service Provider (ISP) top
The company that provides your Internet connection in order to access the Internet.

Keystroke Logging Programmes top

This is a virus that records the keys that you press on your keyboard whilst you are using your computer on surfing the internet. So potentially if your PC has a keylogger programme it can pick up your log in details as you type them.

This information is then uploaded and sent to third parties to enable them to commit internet banking fraud.


Operating System (OS) top
The software platform on which all your computer applications run on.

Examples of operating systems are Microsoft Windows XP and Apple Mac OS X.

Patch top
Update normally required to fix a fault in a piece of computer software.

Phishing top
The act of sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity fraud.

Spam top
Unsolicited junk e-mail sent to large numbers of people often containing irrelevant or inappropriate messages. Spam emails may also include links to sites which offer dubious goods or services.

Spoof Website top
A spoof Website is one that mimics a legitimate Website to lure users into disclosing confidential information. To make spoof sites seem legitimate, identity thieves use the names, logos, graphics and even code of the real company's site. They can even fake the URL that appears in the address field at the top of your browser window. The links in the spoof e-mails almost always take you to a spoof web site.

Spyware top
Software that covertly installs then gathers user information through the users internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes but sometimes for more malicious reasons.

SSL Encryption top
Secure Socket Layer encryption is a method used to securely transmit data over the Internet.

Trojan top
A destructive computer virus that masquerades as a benign application. A trojan can be used to record keystrokes, view screen contents etc. It may also allow your PC to be remotely controlled by a computer hacker.

Virus top
A program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can be used to delete files / applications on your PC, utilise system resources slowing down your PC etc.


Important Information

Clydesdale Bank International is a trading name of Clydesdale Bank PLC. The Guernsey branch of Clydesdale Bank PLC is licensed as a deposit taker by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission, under the Banking Supervision (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 1994 as amended.